Bourbon Club

Bourbon Club was born on October 27, 2008 – the day after the finale episode of Season 2 of the AMC series “Mad Men.”

Club Founders Pops, Fes and HR were discussing the episode – specifically, Draper and Sterling’s propensity to enjoy their workday cocktails.

“We’re in advertising,” Pops observed. “Why couldn’t we drink like they do?”

HR arched an eyebrow.

“Well, Draper has a bar in his office and we don’t,” he said. “One of those antique globes that opens to reveal space inside for bottles and glassware would be perfect.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Fes said by way of a challenge. “If you get one, I’ll kick in the first couple bottles and a set of glasses.”

Two hours later, Pops had an Ebay win, that weekend Fes picked up a couple bottles of whiskey, and The Bourbon Club was born.

From its humble beginnings in late 2008 – Pops, Fes, HR, Django and the Brain – today Bourbon Club boasts nearly a dozen whiskey aficionados and the esteem, if not the envy, of the local non-drinking workplace public. Club meetings occur irregularly but frequently, with attendees alerted by Twitter (follow us @TheBourbonClub), email, instant message and, occasionally, bullhorn.

As the Club’s name suggests, bourbon is the mainstay libation, with prospective members enjoying their first convivial drink, then bringing a bottle for the enjoyment of the club members as their application for membership.

Bourbon and Banter, Pops’ website, was the natural result of the club members’ shared love of bourbon and The Bourbon Club’s home on the web.

“If when you say whiskey you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and laughter on their lips, and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes… then certainly I am for it.” (Noah Sweat)